Post by liquidsword34 on May 11, 2012 18:35:34 GMT -5
David Zavimbe's house, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 2:20 AM
"Yes, David, I killed your family" Massacre muttered, throwing the carton he was drinking from to one side after crushing it in his gloved fist. "Nigma needed to send a message to any others who attempt to undermine his regime, and I was the one assigned to send it. Quite funny, when you consider our history. Although I thought you to be dead, David." Massacre raised his sword into a fighting stance. "I'm happy to see you're not, yet."
As Massacre charged, David sidestepped backwards, grabbing his sons cricket bat which was propped up against the wall. Massacre swung his huge sword at David's throat, narrowly missing as David countered by smashing the bat into his opponents knee. As Massacre dropped to one knee, David turned and pushed a button labelled "SILENT ALARM" just beneath the light switch on the wall.
"Within twenty minutes my friends will be here to help me. Give up now and they may allow you to live"
Massacre chuckles loudly. "You were never strong, David. Always acted like a women around violence, crying, screaming, like your pathetic son did."
David roared as he flung a roundhouse kick at Massacres head. Massacre grabbed David's flailing leg and flung him across the room like a rag doll.
"David my child, twenty minutes is more than enough time to gut you like the vermin you are, especially if you continue to fight like that. If I'm honest I feel your actions reflect badly on me, being the one who raised you."
---
Army of Dawn training camp, the Southern part of the region currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo
6th of January 1991, 11:30 AM
Eight year old David stood holding his rusty rifle against his shoulder, in a line with nine other child soldiers. Each child was wearing different clothes, the only theme being that they had been handed down to them by older boys or looted from one of the hundreds of prisoners executed since they had arrived. Behind them, two older soldiers armed with rifles laughed and joked quietly, occasionally yelling out to one of the children not to move or too stand up straight. Around them stood a twenty foot tall cage, separating the area the children stood in from the hundreds of tents in the rest of the camp. The sand stuck too their dirty and cut toes, the sun burning down onto the children like a laser aimed at a group of ants.
"To attention" the rough, now familiar voice of Massacre bellowed as he entered the fenced in area. Behind him ten prisoners were pushed in by a pair of soldiers, all stripped naked with burlap sacks over there heads. These prisoners were clearly in their twenties, some sporting open bullet wounds or other signs of having been on the losing side of a brutal battle. Massacre stepped in front of the children as the soldiers forced the captives onto their knees, some of them receiving a strike to the face or knee to the back as they were man-handled around.
"These people, if you believe they are, these vile dogs, to be more accurate, are the enemy. They are rebels who attempt to fight against our rightful government, attempting to over throw our great president. For the crime of treason, they have been sentenced to death" Massacre declared, pacing up and down in front of the children.
"There is one criminal for each of you children. Most of you have never killed before, but do not hesitate. You have all learned to shoot, use those lessons today to carry out our kings will". The four soldiers usher the children closer to the prisoners as Massacre removed the sacks from their heads one by one. "Aim for the head, fire three shots, look your enemy in his eyes so he will enter the next life knowing the face of his killer." Massacre said as he unmasked the last of the prisoners. Each had a gag in their mouth and the vast majority were crying. David looked at the man in front of him, seeing that one of his eyes was split open and oozing some sort of yellow gunk. Even at only eight, David could sense the fear in the man's face, his small hands now squeezing tightly on the gun.
"READY"
David's eyes welled up as the prison frantically shook his head, begging silently.
"AIM"
David raised his gun to the prisoners face. "I...I'm really sorry" he whispered.
"FIRE"
---
David Zavimbe's house, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 2:26 AM
David's back slammed against the kitchen counter with a hard bang, his cricket bat flying across the room. Massacre sprinted the short distance between them to follow up on this attack, but David quickly rose up and smashed Massacres jaw with an uppercut hard enough to send the masked killer flying backwards holding his face in pain. "I see I implanted you with at least some form of fighter’s spirit I see" Massacre joked, "but it will not be enough." Massacre made a second charge at David, his sword cutting through the air as Massacre swung it overhead, the blade eventually coming down onto the counter top and bouncing off the marble. David used this chance to strike, smashing his elbow against Massacre's throat and following it by kneeing him in the gut, only to find Massacres arm wrapped around his leg. Swinging one-hundred and eighty degrees, Massacre again launched the smaller David across the room, smashing him down onto the tiled floor.
Letting out a roar cry Massacre dived at the exposed David, delivering a punch to David's right eye and a second to his mouth with his empty hand. David spat out a tooth before ducking in time to avoid Massacres swinging sword, feeling the air above his head being cut. Grabbing the counter top, David lifted himself off the ground to kick Massacre in the chest and allow himself time to think of a way to take down his opponent. Turning to his side David grabbed the cricket bat off the floor and then a small bottle of peanut oil sat on the counter top. As Massacre regained composure David sloppily poured some of the oil on the bat before turning on the stove and setting the end of the bat alight.
"Clever trick, but you expect me to be scared?"
"No" David replied, brandishing the bat with both hands. "I expect you to burn you sick fuck" he roared as he swing the bat at Massacre's head, the dull wood colliding with the mask and scorching his face. Massacre fell down onto his back while holding his burnt face until David walked over to him, causing Massacre to swing his sword up and slash open David's shoulder. Recoiling back, David released the bat, sending it flying at the bottle of peanut oil. The oil spilt out, setting the counter top ablaze. David jerked his head around in surprise, leaving him open to another sword swing, this one slicing his cheek open. David yelped while moving across the kitchen, trying to keep distance between him and the fire.
---
Canyon de la dernière demeure, the Southern part of the region currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo
10th of January 1997, 1:02 PM
Fourteen year old David Zavimbe had become a battle hardened soldier over his time with the Army of Dawn, although throughout that time killing remained something he struggled to do. As the sun beat down on David's bare back, he, four other boys of the same age and Massacre set up an ambush in a canyon. Gripping his ak-47 tight in his hands which were wrapped in bandages to stop him being burnt by the metal, David laid in the sand on one of the many ridges of the deep canyon, awaiting an enemy patrol. The other boys followed suit, with Massacre stationed down at the bottom of the canyon. Despite his love for swordplay, Massacre rarely if ever got hit by bullets, and even when hit he seemed to carry on with no issues, his wounds healing at a faster rate. Glancing behind him, David saw Massacre crouched down, his ear to the wall of the canyon. In his time growing up in the Army of Dawn, David quickly learned that Massacre was not just another soldier, and his stranger battlefield tactics always proved to be useful.
The canyon the group were guarding was not just a popular trade route, but also the subject of much superstition. Rumours of ghosts, spirits, witches and similar things filled the previous nights conversation when it was mentioned that the boys would be overlooking the area. During a previous civil war an entire army supposedly attempted to make their way through the canyon despite a flash flood, and found themselves being dragged down into the earth itself, none returning. Legend stated that if the canyon ever became flooded again, it would reveal great information to whoever survived it. The amount of truth in this story? Most likely none, but it was enough to scare most of the boys.
"Boys, I can hear something, weapons at the ready" Massacre whispered up. Despite not being able to hear a thing themselves, the soldiers instinctively aimed down their sights. Slowly a convoy of buffalo made there way through the canyon, a farmer in front with what looked to be his two sons and another man behind the dozen buffalo herding them.
"It's just a farmer and his buffalo sir" David's fellow child soldier Seth whispered back down. Seth was much larger than David, and unlike David had never shown hesitation when killing. The other two boys were twins Joseph and Moses, both reckless and maniacal fighters. David had often had nightmares about the brutal attacks they carried out on other boys to steal their food, something Massacre called "healthy competition", despite it leaving children hungry and sometimes with broken bones.
"This farmer has been sighted travelling through my territory previously. This will not be tolerated. Prepare to open fire on my mark" Massacre called up as he stepped out in front of the farmer, sword at the ready. The old man stopped in front of Massacre, twenty feet between then.
"This canyon in owned by the Army of Dawn" Massacre roared while approaching the farmer, cutting down the distance separating them rapidly.
"I...I'm sorry, I did not know" the farmer stuttered, dropping to his knees. "Please forgive this trespass, I promise I will never come through this canyon again".
Snarling, Massacre grabbed him by his silk shirt, lifting him from the ground. "Unfortunately, I cannot take your word for this, and if I show too much lenience, rumours will travel quickly. You must pay the toll for this road."
"Anything" the old man cried out, "please, take whatever you need. Gold, meat, I have much to trade".
"You misunderstand me, friend" Massacre said through a smirk. "Your possessions are worthless to me. However, you appear to have two able bodied sons correct?" Massacre gestures his sword to the two boys, one who looks to be around thirteen and the other at a glance fifteen.
The farmer gulped. "Yes. Yes I do sir" he barely managed to reply.
"One of your sons will be suitable payment for your transgression. Which will it be?" Massacre announced. His mask at this point in time still covered his mouth, but David knew that underneath he was grinning from ear to ear as he always did when inflicting such pain, whether physical or emotional. The farmer turned to the elder son, tears in his eyes.
"John...go with this man. You are his property now" the farmer whimpered. The boy nodded solemnly, embracing his father for what he knew would be the last time.
"I understand father" John muttered as he walked to Massacre.
"Wait behind me child" Massacre spat at John, who shuffled down the canyon behind Massacre. "BOYS!" Massacre yelled up to David, Seth, Joseph and Moses.
"Sir?" Seth replied.
"Spare the herder bringing up the rear" Massacre bellowed. "We must send a message."
Instinctively the boys opened fire, all four rifles spraying down at the farmer, his younger son and his buffalo. Within seconds it was over as the four weapons clicked empty and the animals fell before having a chance to escape. The farmer at the back sprinted away, blood covering him and a stray bullet lodged inside his foot. David peered down into the canyon, looking at the dead animals and people soaking in what looked like a river of blood. Surveying the farmer, David looked into his eyes as he bled out, the last of his life draining away. David dropped his rifle, his whole body frozen as he and the dying man made eye contact. The firearm slid down into the canyon, bouncing off the sides and landing on one of the buffalo.
"WHO DROPPED THEIR RIFLE?" Massacres booming voice questioned as he climbed out of the canyon, holding the hysterical farmers son by his shirt like a child's toy.
The other three boys immediately pointed to David, who made no attempt to defend himself.
"Oh? David, that weapon will have been damaged by the fall. Why did you drop it?" Massacre yells at David, interrogating the small child like he were a full grown soldier.
"I...I don't know" David replied, prompting Massacre to slap him across the face.
"Are you upset by killing, child? Do you not understand what we are doing? We are building our empire, and this" Massacre snatched Moses' rifle and shoved it into David's hands "is the tool we use to create our legacy."
David looked up at Massacre, his face filled with rage.
"My brother...the boy you killed when you captured me...did him dying help build your legacy? We've done nothing but kill, creating blood baths. This canyon...it's filled will innocent blood. What are we fighting for? YOU, that's what!"
"You insolent little!" Massacre screamed, raising his fist. Seeing this David instinctively swung his rifle, striking Massacre in the jaw and snapping off part of his mask. In response Joseph slammed his rifle butt into the back of David's head, knocking him to the ground.
"David, you had so much potential. But you have never been obedient, have you?"
David climbed to his knees, feeling dizzy from Joseph's strike.
"Apologise, David." Massacre whispered, holding the quivering child by his throat. The image of David's brother flashed before his eyes. His mothers screams filled his head.
"No!" David replied, spitting in Massacre's face.
In a fit of rage, Massacre launched a right hook at David's head before tossing the child aside, sending him tumbling the full thirty feet down into the canyon. David's small frame smashed against the bottom of the canyon, his body hitting multiple rocks on the way down, breaking some bones and opening up a huge wound on his shoulder.
"Should we recover him?" David faintly heard Moses ask above him as he laid on his side, struggling to stay conscious.
"If not dead, the runt will be crippled by the fall. Leave him, out alone in these conditions he will not survive. We have no need for his kind" Massacre replied, getting fainter as they walked away.
---
David Zavimbe's house, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 2:33 AM
The fire spreading, David made his way backwards, past the chairs the corpses of his family sat on and to the kitchen door leading out to the back yard. David turned to open the glass door, but as he touched the handle Massacre came flying through the flames, tackling David through the glass door and onto the grass. David's first instinct was to rise to his feet, but he found himself unable to underneath Massacres larger body. Repeatedly punches slammed into the side of David's head, shaking his vision and filling his mouth with blood. Putting his hands up to cover his face, David pulled his right foot up and kicked Massacre in the face hard enough to knock him backwards from his mount position towards the house. David used the last of his strength to climb to his feet, a shard of glass embedded in his lower back, creating a deep cut. Upon realising Massacre's sword was still inside the house and so his opponent was unarmed, David made a charge, throwing his entire bodyweight into a single punch which sent Massacre flying backwards, stumbling towards the house which was at this point a towering inferno. Seeing his chance, David ran in and booted Massacre in the chest hard enough to launch him off his feet and back through the kitchen door, ripping open his huge arms on the broken glass window, blood spraying out into the fire. With Massacre incapacitated at least temporarily, David jogged around the side of the house, spotting a rustic white van driven by a fellow resistance member pulling onto his lawn, responding to the alarm.
"David, what's happening?" the driver called out the open window, barely audible over the sound of the burning house.
"It's Massacre." David yelled, diving into the passenger seat, "he...he got my family"
"Where is Massacre now?" the driver asked as he reversed the van off of David's lawn frantically, bouncing off the curb loudly.
"I threw him back into the house, but we both know that won't keep him occupied, we need to get out of here before he comes out". The van pulled onto the street before speeding away as David moaned in pain, the shard of glass still embedded deep into his back. David leaned his head against the window, trying to stay awake as the tears started to run down his face, his eyes focused on the reflection of his house in the wing mirror until the van turned a corner, relegating David to simply staring down at the road out the window.
---
Canyon de la dernière demeure, the Southern part of the region currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo
10th of January 1997, 12:00 AM
Unable to stand, David laid in the canyon for hours, until his stomach started to rumble and the air became colder. David's head felt empty, like his brain was simply floating above the dead weight of his body. Everything became red, green and blue as the sun bounced off the pools of blood into David's eyes.
Slowly David crawled out the canyon, his hands drenched in blood from the heard whom's slaughter he had taken part in. By midnight, David had managed to get around half a mile from the canyon, still unable to climb up from the prone position. Looking off in the distance, it started to sink in that David was alone in the wilderness of the Congo, with nothing but grass and wild animals for miles. Fear hit David like a freight train as he started sweating, his heart racing. Rolling onto his side, David stared off into the distance, noticing a small hut situated in the middle of the dusty wasteland. Using the little energy remaining in his body, David started clawing through the dry dirt underneath the burning sun. His head spinning, David felt a cold feeling encompass his body before collapsing down, curling up into a ball as he passed out.
---
Unknown area, the Southern part of the region currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo
14th of January 1997, 1:00 PM
David felt the soft blanket between his fingers, followed by hearing the sound of running water. As he slowly woke up, David began to realise he had been brought inside of a building, most likely the hut he had been crawling towards. He laid on a soft bed with what seemed like dozens of fluffy pillows surrounding his head. The wound on his shoulder stung, but he could feel a bandage of some sort over the injury. The walls surrounding David were made of a beige wood with a handful of pictures hung up, mostly highly detailed paintings of animals ranging from snakes to lions.
The sound of running water stopped, followed by the door swinging open. An elderly man stood in the doorway at no more than five feet, hunched over with a cane in one hand and a jug of water in the other. His clean shaven face was covered in dark wrinkly skin with a texture similar to a basketball. The hermit of sorts wore white robes and worn down sandals which scrapped on the dull floor as he walked towards David with small, careful steps.
"W..who are you?" David whispered, his strength not having fully returned.
"Shhh shhh quiet child, you are not fully rested. Drink first, then questions" the old man's soothing voice replied as he poured some of the water from the jug into a wooden cup beside David's bed. He handed David the cup slowly, being careful that neither of them dropped it. David took a deep sip before handing the cup back.
"Th..thank you" David gasped as he finished sipping the water. "So...who are you?" David asked again.
"I'm Thabo" the old man replied. "It means joy. What is yours, child?"
"D...David. David Zavimbe."
"And what does that mean?" Thabo inquired as he walked back into the kitchen area, out of David's view.
"I don't think it means anything sir"
"Ah, OK, my apologies David" Thambo continued as he returned into the room, handing David a wooden plate filled with various fruits, nuts and a small portion of fish. "When I was a child in Malawi, all my friends had traditional African names. Now in this region, most children have western names, what with the long term occupations from various outside forces" Thambo rambled. "Eat the fish David, it'll help you regain your strength. You were rather injured out there weren't you?"
David nodded as he obliged, tentatively eating the meaty and juicy fish. "Yes. Yes I was. Thank you for rescuing me, Thambo. I...I wa-"
Thambo put up his hand to stop David mid-sentence. "I can just about guess your story David, I've lived here long enough to recognise a soldier when I see one. Army of Dawn I assume?"
David nodded slowly. "I was...I was kidnapped when I was younger. I've been made to do...horrific things. I have killed and mutilated, Thambo. I understand...I understand if you do not wish to help me any more, knowing this" David barely managed to mutter.
"Do not worry, child. I am not one to judge a person on their actions. If I was, I would not have helped you when I found you." Thambo said as he motioned to pick up a slice of pear. David nodded at his elderly career, who picked up the ripe fruit and ate it.
"So, how long have I been asleep?" David inquired through a mouth full of slices banana, his strength returning to him with each bite of food he took.
"Just over four days. I feared you to have passed on."
"I deserve to have" David growled, laying back in the bed and staring up at the ceiling.
"Why do you say that, child? You have so much of your life to live!"
"I...I'm a murderer. I've fought in immoral battles. I...I've been given a better education than most of the children I grew up with, because my captor thought me to be a powerful soldier. I've been serving my brother's killer without question like a blind man" David whimpered, his emotions getting the better of him.
"David, in my younger days, I was a thief. I would attack and rob people to make a living" Thambo admitted, having sat down on the side of David's bed. "I was immoral, violent. I treated my fellow man with no regard. Then, I met a man, in a shanty town I was staying in. He taught me about redemption, about how no matter what a man has done, he can become better. Since then, I've helped injured travellers or locals such as yourself." Thambo coughed loudly as he finished his short story.
"So...so you think I can change? For the better?" David questioned.
"Of course, child. I've met hundreds of people during my time in this world, many whom have committed deeds you could never imagine, that have changed their lives. You are not a bad person, David. Trust me" Thambo reassures the teenager. David smiled at Thambo before finishing the food on his plate.
"Where should I go from here? I have no home, and I cannot burden you for much longer, Thambo" David asked while climbing up from the bed, slowly standing up with the help of Thambo.
"Tinasha is only around two miles North from here. There are many shanty towns on the outskirts where a person such as yourself will be welcome, child."
Thambo handed David another cup of water, which David gulped down quickly and handed back to Thambo. Putting his shoes back on, David made his way through the small house to the front door along with Thambo.
"Thank you, for everything" David said to Thambo as he opened the door, flooding the hut with the burning hot sunlight. David shielded his eyes, having not seen natural sun light for some time. After a few seconds David walked out of the hut, his thin shoes barely protecting the soles of his feet from the heat on the ground. David took a few steady steps out of the hut before turning back to Thambo.
"I...I think my life...it might be good" David mumbled un-surely to the elderly man, who chuckled.
"Just remember what I've told you David: Anybody can change"
David nodded to Thambo before turning to face North, striding away from the hut.
"Thank you Thambo" David called back loudly as he made his way off into the distance.
---
The office of Edward Nigma, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 6:00 AM
Edward Nigma liked getting into his office early, before the hubbub of hundreds of people going to work filled his building, to get started on his puzzles for the day. Despite his presidential position, Nigma rarely went to day to day meetings, instead preferring to send his receptionist (Who's name he never cared to learn) while he completed a rubik's cube, crossword or riddle. Nigma's office was cluttered with unread files, folders, newspapers and puzzles, pretty much covering the floor. The western wall of the office was made up of huge thick windows, tinted blue on the outside so while nobody could see in, Nigma had a perfect view of almost all of Tinasha. The other walls of the office were covered in pictures, mostly of Nigma meeting world leaders or of charity events he had attended. A copy of "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" sat on Nigma's desk, the book old and damaged, the French writing inside worn down from over a hundred years of use by various owners.
The sleeves of Nigma's suit rustled as his hands worked seamlessly on a 5x5x5 rubik's cube, often knows as a professor's cube. Seconds from completing the puzzle, a loud buzzing sound surprised Nigma, making him drop the cube. Nigma stood up from his chair and pretty much punched the intercom button on his desk.
"DIDN'T I TELL YOU NOT TO BUZZ ME WHEN I'M WORKING?"
"I...I'm sorry Mr Nigma, sir, but, erm...your "problem solver"is here and...and he says he really needs to see you" Nigma's receptionist sniffled.
"Fine, send him in you incompetent fool"
The door to Nigma's office swung open, revealing Massacre, his body scorched and burnt.
"You assured me David had been taken care of, Nigma"
Massacre approached Nigma's desk, holding a piece of cloth against an open wound on his gut.
"I...I thought he was, I sent a team, they...they captured him...I don't know ho-"
Massacre slammed his hands on Nigma's desk, making Nigma jump back like a bullet from a barrel.
"THE LITTLE FUCK ALMOST KILLED ME NIGMA. And that won't be the end of it. He knows we're onto them."
"So?" Nigma tentatively sat back down. "They haven't been able to do anything before now, what are you worried about?"
Massacre sighed, turning his back to Nigma. "You've never had experience in these sorts of things, Nigma. I looked at the files for that "team" you sent. You think David escaped using force? No, your team defected. Your plan did nothing but anger the resistance and give them five more weapons to use."
"You mean you think the people I hired-"
"Are sat in some sort of meeting, arguing over who gets to put the shot between your eyes" Massacre interrupted.
"So, what do you suggest?". Nigma leaned back in his chair, picking up the rubik's cube again.
"We go into full lockdown mode. Nobody in or out for the next twenty four hours. Snipers on the rooftops." Massacre strode around the room. "You're an idiot Nigma."
"Excuse me?"
"You're an incompetent fool" Massacre yelled, turning to face Edward. "You sit here, doing your, your puzzles and riddles, while everybody below you does YOUR dirty work. And now it's come back to haunt you, I'm sure I'm the one you expect to defend you?"
"It's what I pay you for you fool! You get more money than anybody else in the government, you have a beautiful house just outside Tinasha, you have power within this nation whi-"
"Money which will be worthless, a house which will be burnt to the ground and power within a government which may fall within' hours!" Massacre spat on Nigma's desk, looking at him with disgust. "You'd best organize your men Edward, because if you don't, you're dead." Massacre stared down at Nigma with a sincere stare that could almost burn a hole through your eyes. "You've lived a life of hedonism, of greed, and now people want your head on a plate. And you know what? They'll get it, unless you understand what danger you're in. You're this genius, so think of something. A way to get out of this mess, because you pretty much sent your enemies five sharpened swords and reason to draw them too your throat." Massacre turned his back to Nigma and strode out the room, slamming the door as he left. Nigma threw his rubik's cube at the door before putting his head in his hands.
"Come on Eddy, think, think" he muttered, rubbing his head. "Come on come on, THINK" he yelled, punching his desk. "OK, OK, calm" he muttered to himself as he stood up, pacing behind his desk. "Stress relief, stress relief, something to get my brain working properly". Nigma grabbed a clump of paper off his desk, unfolded it and looked it over. "OK, OK it's a riddle. The one who buys it doesn't use it, the one who uses it doesn't know he's u-it's a coffin". Nigma tosses the paper away. "Too easy, something harder, I'll...I'll write something, and then work out how to stop those ungrateful rebels" Nigma mumbles incoherently, grabbing another piece of paper and scribbling on it.
---
Beneath East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 7:33 AM
The doors to the bar room flew open as David Zavimbe's getaway driver carried his unconscious body into the room, laying him face down on the large table in the centre. Behind him followed a pair of plain clothed doctors.
"He, he was bleeding a bit when he got into the van, from the glass in his lower back, but he went unconscious a while ago" the driver yelled, as Bane, Prometheus, Tommy Monaghan, Catwoman and Lady Shiva, each half dressed, entered the room, Promethus not even wearing his helmet, showing his short white hair and aged face while could be anywhere from fifty to a hundred years old.
"He's in shock" one of the doctors replied. "He's been burnt badly, cut deep and the aforementioned psychological trauma may have added to it" he continued as the two doctors removed the glass shard, bandaged it up and then rolled David onto his back.
"What's happened?" Catwoman yelled at the driver, who bounded over, giving the doctors room to operate.
"David's family were attacked and killed by one of President Nigma's generals". The driver looked down, clearly worried about the reaction the five may have. "He fought David, possibly to the death".
Bane turned and slammed both fists down on the bar as the doctors began resuscitating David whilst putting him in the recovery position. "We move tomorrow" Prometheus announced, his eyes locked on David's convulsing body. "We give that Nigma bastard what he deserves". Without his helmet Prometheus had a slight German accent and his voice was more clearly aged.
"The six of us and the rebels?" Tommy looks at Promethus, clearly unsure.
"Five, David is in no state to fight" Lady Shiva interjects. "But we are, and Nigma knows at least one member of the resistence. Look at this." Shiva gestured to the slowly recovering David. "We cannot let this continue".
"Damn right". Catwoman walked over to David, who was barely awake. "Bat-wing...David...what...what happened" she whispered.
"Nigma's hired gun...Massacre...killed my wife...son...daughter" David gasps. "Almost killed me...won't be dead...never is" he continued, confusing Selina, who was unsure of who David was referring too. "Killed...killed my brother, almost me...as children. Same...same person". Catwoman looked down at David as her stomach seemed to knot up. For the first time in possibly months, she felt something besides emptiness or sadness. Rage and anger filled Selina's head as her hands balled into fists.
"Give him some room" one of the doctors called over, causing Selina to step back. "He might be in danger still, and he's lost a lot of blood". Catwoman nodded, turning back towards the bar and her room.
"Where are you going?" Tommy called after her.
"I need all the sleep I can get" Catwoman replied over her shoulder in a hushed purr, seemingly dipped in aggression whilest still staying calm. "Because tomorrow, this kitty's getting her claws out.".
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 2:20 AM
"Yes, David, I killed your family" Massacre muttered, throwing the carton he was drinking from to one side after crushing it in his gloved fist. "Nigma needed to send a message to any others who attempt to undermine his regime, and I was the one assigned to send it. Quite funny, when you consider our history. Although I thought you to be dead, David." Massacre raised his sword into a fighting stance. "I'm happy to see you're not, yet."
As Massacre charged, David sidestepped backwards, grabbing his sons cricket bat which was propped up against the wall. Massacre swung his huge sword at David's throat, narrowly missing as David countered by smashing the bat into his opponents knee. As Massacre dropped to one knee, David turned and pushed a button labelled "SILENT ALARM" just beneath the light switch on the wall.
"Within twenty minutes my friends will be here to help me. Give up now and they may allow you to live"
Massacre chuckles loudly. "You were never strong, David. Always acted like a women around violence, crying, screaming, like your pathetic son did."
David roared as he flung a roundhouse kick at Massacres head. Massacre grabbed David's flailing leg and flung him across the room like a rag doll.
"David my child, twenty minutes is more than enough time to gut you like the vermin you are, especially if you continue to fight like that. If I'm honest I feel your actions reflect badly on me, being the one who raised you."
---
Army of Dawn training camp, the Southern part of the region currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo
6th of January 1991, 11:30 AM
Eight year old David stood holding his rusty rifle against his shoulder, in a line with nine other child soldiers. Each child was wearing different clothes, the only theme being that they had been handed down to them by older boys or looted from one of the hundreds of prisoners executed since they had arrived. Behind them, two older soldiers armed with rifles laughed and joked quietly, occasionally yelling out to one of the children not to move or too stand up straight. Around them stood a twenty foot tall cage, separating the area the children stood in from the hundreds of tents in the rest of the camp. The sand stuck too their dirty and cut toes, the sun burning down onto the children like a laser aimed at a group of ants.
"To attention" the rough, now familiar voice of Massacre bellowed as he entered the fenced in area. Behind him ten prisoners were pushed in by a pair of soldiers, all stripped naked with burlap sacks over there heads. These prisoners were clearly in their twenties, some sporting open bullet wounds or other signs of having been on the losing side of a brutal battle. Massacre stepped in front of the children as the soldiers forced the captives onto their knees, some of them receiving a strike to the face or knee to the back as they were man-handled around.
"These people, if you believe they are, these vile dogs, to be more accurate, are the enemy. They are rebels who attempt to fight against our rightful government, attempting to over throw our great president. For the crime of treason, they have been sentenced to death" Massacre declared, pacing up and down in front of the children.
"There is one criminal for each of you children. Most of you have never killed before, but do not hesitate. You have all learned to shoot, use those lessons today to carry out our kings will". The four soldiers usher the children closer to the prisoners as Massacre removed the sacks from their heads one by one. "Aim for the head, fire three shots, look your enemy in his eyes so he will enter the next life knowing the face of his killer." Massacre said as he unmasked the last of the prisoners. Each had a gag in their mouth and the vast majority were crying. David looked at the man in front of him, seeing that one of his eyes was split open and oozing some sort of yellow gunk. Even at only eight, David could sense the fear in the man's face, his small hands now squeezing tightly on the gun.
"READY"
David's eyes welled up as the prison frantically shook his head, begging silently.
"AIM"
David raised his gun to the prisoners face. "I...I'm really sorry" he whispered.
"FIRE"
---
David Zavimbe's house, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 2:26 AM
David's back slammed against the kitchen counter with a hard bang, his cricket bat flying across the room. Massacre sprinted the short distance between them to follow up on this attack, but David quickly rose up and smashed Massacres jaw with an uppercut hard enough to send the masked killer flying backwards holding his face in pain. "I see I implanted you with at least some form of fighter’s spirit I see" Massacre joked, "but it will not be enough." Massacre made a second charge at David, his sword cutting through the air as Massacre swung it overhead, the blade eventually coming down onto the counter top and bouncing off the marble. David used this chance to strike, smashing his elbow against Massacre's throat and following it by kneeing him in the gut, only to find Massacres arm wrapped around his leg. Swinging one-hundred and eighty degrees, Massacre again launched the smaller David across the room, smashing him down onto the tiled floor.
Letting out a roar cry Massacre dived at the exposed David, delivering a punch to David's right eye and a second to his mouth with his empty hand. David spat out a tooth before ducking in time to avoid Massacres swinging sword, feeling the air above his head being cut. Grabbing the counter top, David lifted himself off the ground to kick Massacre in the chest and allow himself time to think of a way to take down his opponent. Turning to his side David grabbed the cricket bat off the floor and then a small bottle of peanut oil sat on the counter top. As Massacre regained composure David sloppily poured some of the oil on the bat before turning on the stove and setting the end of the bat alight.
"Clever trick, but you expect me to be scared?"
"No" David replied, brandishing the bat with both hands. "I expect you to burn you sick fuck" he roared as he swing the bat at Massacre's head, the dull wood colliding with the mask and scorching his face. Massacre fell down onto his back while holding his burnt face until David walked over to him, causing Massacre to swing his sword up and slash open David's shoulder. Recoiling back, David released the bat, sending it flying at the bottle of peanut oil. The oil spilt out, setting the counter top ablaze. David jerked his head around in surprise, leaving him open to another sword swing, this one slicing his cheek open. David yelped while moving across the kitchen, trying to keep distance between him and the fire.
---
Canyon de la dernière demeure, the Southern part of the region currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo
10th of January 1997, 1:02 PM
Fourteen year old David Zavimbe had become a battle hardened soldier over his time with the Army of Dawn, although throughout that time killing remained something he struggled to do. As the sun beat down on David's bare back, he, four other boys of the same age and Massacre set up an ambush in a canyon. Gripping his ak-47 tight in his hands which were wrapped in bandages to stop him being burnt by the metal, David laid in the sand on one of the many ridges of the deep canyon, awaiting an enemy patrol. The other boys followed suit, with Massacre stationed down at the bottom of the canyon. Despite his love for swordplay, Massacre rarely if ever got hit by bullets, and even when hit he seemed to carry on with no issues, his wounds healing at a faster rate. Glancing behind him, David saw Massacre crouched down, his ear to the wall of the canyon. In his time growing up in the Army of Dawn, David quickly learned that Massacre was not just another soldier, and his stranger battlefield tactics always proved to be useful.
The canyon the group were guarding was not just a popular trade route, but also the subject of much superstition. Rumours of ghosts, spirits, witches and similar things filled the previous nights conversation when it was mentioned that the boys would be overlooking the area. During a previous civil war an entire army supposedly attempted to make their way through the canyon despite a flash flood, and found themselves being dragged down into the earth itself, none returning. Legend stated that if the canyon ever became flooded again, it would reveal great information to whoever survived it. The amount of truth in this story? Most likely none, but it was enough to scare most of the boys.
"Boys, I can hear something, weapons at the ready" Massacre whispered up. Despite not being able to hear a thing themselves, the soldiers instinctively aimed down their sights. Slowly a convoy of buffalo made there way through the canyon, a farmer in front with what looked to be his two sons and another man behind the dozen buffalo herding them.
"It's just a farmer and his buffalo sir" David's fellow child soldier Seth whispered back down. Seth was much larger than David, and unlike David had never shown hesitation when killing. The other two boys were twins Joseph and Moses, both reckless and maniacal fighters. David had often had nightmares about the brutal attacks they carried out on other boys to steal their food, something Massacre called "healthy competition", despite it leaving children hungry and sometimes with broken bones.
"This farmer has been sighted travelling through my territory previously. This will not be tolerated. Prepare to open fire on my mark" Massacre called up as he stepped out in front of the farmer, sword at the ready. The old man stopped in front of Massacre, twenty feet between then.
"This canyon in owned by the Army of Dawn" Massacre roared while approaching the farmer, cutting down the distance separating them rapidly.
"I...I'm sorry, I did not know" the farmer stuttered, dropping to his knees. "Please forgive this trespass, I promise I will never come through this canyon again".
Snarling, Massacre grabbed him by his silk shirt, lifting him from the ground. "Unfortunately, I cannot take your word for this, and if I show too much lenience, rumours will travel quickly. You must pay the toll for this road."
"Anything" the old man cried out, "please, take whatever you need. Gold, meat, I have much to trade".
"You misunderstand me, friend" Massacre said through a smirk. "Your possessions are worthless to me. However, you appear to have two able bodied sons correct?" Massacre gestures his sword to the two boys, one who looks to be around thirteen and the other at a glance fifteen.
The farmer gulped. "Yes. Yes I do sir" he barely managed to reply.
"One of your sons will be suitable payment for your transgression. Which will it be?" Massacre announced. His mask at this point in time still covered his mouth, but David knew that underneath he was grinning from ear to ear as he always did when inflicting such pain, whether physical or emotional. The farmer turned to the elder son, tears in his eyes.
"John...go with this man. You are his property now" the farmer whimpered. The boy nodded solemnly, embracing his father for what he knew would be the last time.
"I understand father" John muttered as he walked to Massacre.
"Wait behind me child" Massacre spat at John, who shuffled down the canyon behind Massacre. "BOYS!" Massacre yelled up to David, Seth, Joseph and Moses.
"Sir?" Seth replied.
"Spare the herder bringing up the rear" Massacre bellowed. "We must send a message."
Instinctively the boys opened fire, all four rifles spraying down at the farmer, his younger son and his buffalo. Within seconds it was over as the four weapons clicked empty and the animals fell before having a chance to escape. The farmer at the back sprinted away, blood covering him and a stray bullet lodged inside his foot. David peered down into the canyon, looking at the dead animals and people soaking in what looked like a river of blood. Surveying the farmer, David looked into his eyes as he bled out, the last of his life draining away. David dropped his rifle, his whole body frozen as he and the dying man made eye contact. The firearm slid down into the canyon, bouncing off the sides and landing on one of the buffalo.
"WHO DROPPED THEIR RIFLE?" Massacres booming voice questioned as he climbed out of the canyon, holding the hysterical farmers son by his shirt like a child's toy.
The other three boys immediately pointed to David, who made no attempt to defend himself.
"Oh? David, that weapon will have been damaged by the fall. Why did you drop it?" Massacre yells at David, interrogating the small child like he were a full grown soldier.
"I...I don't know" David replied, prompting Massacre to slap him across the face.
"Are you upset by killing, child? Do you not understand what we are doing? We are building our empire, and this" Massacre snatched Moses' rifle and shoved it into David's hands "is the tool we use to create our legacy."
David looked up at Massacre, his face filled with rage.
"My brother...the boy you killed when you captured me...did him dying help build your legacy? We've done nothing but kill, creating blood baths. This canyon...it's filled will innocent blood. What are we fighting for? YOU, that's what!"
"You insolent little!" Massacre screamed, raising his fist. Seeing this David instinctively swung his rifle, striking Massacre in the jaw and snapping off part of his mask. In response Joseph slammed his rifle butt into the back of David's head, knocking him to the ground.
"David, you had so much potential. But you have never been obedient, have you?"
David climbed to his knees, feeling dizzy from Joseph's strike.
"Apologise, David." Massacre whispered, holding the quivering child by his throat. The image of David's brother flashed before his eyes. His mothers screams filled his head.
"No!" David replied, spitting in Massacre's face.
In a fit of rage, Massacre launched a right hook at David's head before tossing the child aside, sending him tumbling the full thirty feet down into the canyon. David's small frame smashed against the bottom of the canyon, his body hitting multiple rocks on the way down, breaking some bones and opening up a huge wound on his shoulder.
"Should we recover him?" David faintly heard Moses ask above him as he laid on his side, struggling to stay conscious.
"If not dead, the runt will be crippled by the fall. Leave him, out alone in these conditions he will not survive. We have no need for his kind" Massacre replied, getting fainter as they walked away.
---
David Zavimbe's house, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 2:33 AM
The fire spreading, David made his way backwards, past the chairs the corpses of his family sat on and to the kitchen door leading out to the back yard. David turned to open the glass door, but as he touched the handle Massacre came flying through the flames, tackling David through the glass door and onto the grass. David's first instinct was to rise to his feet, but he found himself unable to underneath Massacres larger body. Repeatedly punches slammed into the side of David's head, shaking his vision and filling his mouth with blood. Putting his hands up to cover his face, David pulled his right foot up and kicked Massacre in the face hard enough to knock him backwards from his mount position towards the house. David used the last of his strength to climb to his feet, a shard of glass embedded in his lower back, creating a deep cut. Upon realising Massacre's sword was still inside the house and so his opponent was unarmed, David made a charge, throwing his entire bodyweight into a single punch which sent Massacre flying backwards, stumbling towards the house which was at this point a towering inferno. Seeing his chance, David ran in and booted Massacre in the chest hard enough to launch him off his feet and back through the kitchen door, ripping open his huge arms on the broken glass window, blood spraying out into the fire. With Massacre incapacitated at least temporarily, David jogged around the side of the house, spotting a rustic white van driven by a fellow resistance member pulling onto his lawn, responding to the alarm.
"David, what's happening?" the driver called out the open window, barely audible over the sound of the burning house.
"It's Massacre." David yelled, diving into the passenger seat, "he...he got my family"
"Where is Massacre now?" the driver asked as he reversed the van off of David's lawn frantically, bouncing off the curb loudly.
"I threw him back into the house, but we both know that won't keep him occupied, we need to get out of here before he comes out". The van pulled onto the street before speeding away as David moaned in pain, the shard of glass still embedded deep into his back. David leaned his head against the window, trying to stay awake as the tears started to run down his face, his eyes focused on the reflection of his house in the wing mirror until the van turned a corner, relegating David to simply staring down at the road out the window.
---
Canyon de la dernière demeure, the Southern part of the region currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo
10th of January 1997, 12:00 AM
Unable to stand, David laid in the canyon for hours, until his stomach started to rumble and the air became colder. David's head felt empty, like his brain was simply floating above the dead weight of his body. Everything became red, green and blue as the sun bounced off the pools of blood into David's eyes.
Slowly David crawled out the canyon, his hands drenched in blood from the heard whom's slaughter he had taken part in. By midnight, David had managed to get around half a mile from the canyon, still unable to climb up from the prone position. Looking off in the distance, it started to sink in that David was alone in the wilderness of the Congo, with nothing but grass and wild animals for miles. Fear hit David like a freight train as he started sweating, his heart racing. Rolling onto his side, David stared off into the distance, noticing a small hut situated in the middle of the dusty wasteland. Using the little energy remaining in his body, David started clawing through the dry dirt underneath the burning sun. His head spinning, David felt a cold feeling encompass his body before collapsing down, curling up into a ball as he passed out.
---
Unknown area, the Southern part of the region currently known as the Democratic Republic of Congo
14th of January 1997, 1:00 PM
David felt the soft blanket between his fingers, followed by hearing the sound of running water. As he slowly woke up, David began to realise he had been brought inside of a building, most likely the hut he had been crawling towards. He laid on a soft bed with what seemed like dozens of fluffy pillows surrounding his head. The wound on his shoulder stung, but he could feel a bandage of some sort over the injury. The walls surrounding David were made of a beige wood with a handful of pictures hung up, mostly highly detailed paintings of animals ranging from snakes to lions.
The sound of running water stopped, followed by the door swinging open. An elderly man stood in the doorway at no more than five feet, hunched over with a cane in one hand and a jug of water in the other. His clean shaven face was covered in dark wrinkly skin with a texture similar to a basketball. The hermit of sorts wore white robes and worn down sandals which scrapped on the dull floor as he walked towards David with small, careful steps.
"W..who are you?" David whispered, his strength not having fully returned.
"Shhh shhh quiet child, you are not fully rested. Drink first, then questions" the old man's soothing voice replied as he poured some of the water from the jug into a wooden cup beside David's bed. He handed David the cup slowly, being careful that neither of them dropped it. David took a deep sip before handing the cup back.
"Th..thank you" David gasped as he finished sipping the water. "So...who are you?" David asked again.
"I'm Thabo" the old man replied. "It means joy. What is yours, child?"
"D...David. David Zavimbe."
"And what does that mean?" Thabo inquired as he walked back into the kitchen area, out of David's view.
"I don't think it means anything sir"
"Ah, OK, my apologies David" Thambo continued as he returned into the room, handing David a wooden plate filled with various fruits, nuts and a small portion of fish. "When I was a child in Malawi, all my friends had traditional African names. Now in this region, most children have western names, what with the long term occupations from various outside forces" Thambo rambled. "Eat the fish David, it'll help you regain your strength. You were rather injured out there weren't you?"
David nodded as he obliged, tentatively eating the meaty and juicy fish. "Yes. Yes I was. Thank you for rescuing me, Thambo. I...I wa-"
Thambo put up his hand to stop David mid-sentence. "I can just about guess your story David, I've lived here long enough to recognise a soldier when I see one. Army of Dawn I assume?"
David nodded slowly. "I was...I was kidnapped when I was younger. I've been made to do...horrific things. I have killed and mutilated, Thambo. I understand...I understand if you do not wish to help me any more, knowing this" David barely managed to mutter.
"Do not worry, child. I am not one to judge a person on their actions. If I was, I would not have helped you when I found you." Thambo said as he motioned to pick up a slice of pear. David nodded at his elderly career, who picked up the ripe fruit and ate it.
"So, how long have I been asleep?" David inquired through a mouth full of slices banana, his strength returning to him with each bite of food he took.
"Just over four days. I feared you to have passed on."
"I deserve to have" David growled, laying back in the bed and staring up at the ceiling.
"Why do you say that, child? You have so much of your life to live!"
"I...I'm a murderer. I've fought in immoral battles. I...I've been given a better education than most of the children I grew up with, because my captor thought me to be a powerful soldier. I've been serving my brother's killer without question like a blind man" David whimpered, his emotions getting the better of him.
"David, in my younger days, I was a thief. I would attack and rob people to make a living" Thambo admitted, having sat down on the side of David's bed. "I was immoral, violent. I treated my fellow man with no regard. Then, I met a man, in a shanty town I was staying in. He taught me about redemption, about how no matter what a man has done, he can become better. Since then, I've helped injured travellers or locals such as yourself." Thambo coughed loudly as he finished his short story.
"So...so you think I can change? For the better?" David questioned.
"Of course, child. I've met hundreds of people during my time in this world, many whom have committed deeds you could never imagine, that have changed their lives. You are not a bad person, David. Trust me" Thambo reassures the teenager. David smiled at Thambo before finishing the food on his plate.
"Where should I go from here? I have no home, and I cannot burden you for much longer, Thambo" David asked while climbing up from the bed, slowly standing up with the help of Thambo.
"Tinasha is only around two miles North from here. There are many shanty towns on the outskirts where a person such as yourself will be welcome, child."
Thambo handed David another cup of water, which David gulped down quickly and handed back to Thambo. Putting his shoes back on, David made his way through the small house to the front door along with Thambo.
"Thank you, for everything" David said to Thambo as he opened the door, flooding the hut with the burning hot sunlight. David shielded his eyes, having not seen natural sun light for some time. After a few seconds David walked out of the hut, his thin shoes barely protecting the soles of his feet from the heat on the ground. David took a few steady steps out of the hut before turning back to Thambo.
"I...I think my life...it might be good" David mumbled un-surely to the elderly man, who chuckled.
"Just remember what I've told you David: Anybody can change"
David nodded to Thambo before turning to face North, striding away from the hut.
"Thank you Thambo" David called back loudly as he made his way off into the distance.
---
The office of Edward Nigma, East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 6:00 AM
Edward Nigma liked getting into his office early, before the hubbub of hundreds of people going to work filled his building, to get started on his puzzles for the day. Despite his presidential position, Nigma rarely went to day to day meetings, instead preferring to send his receptionist (Who's name he never cared to learn) while he completed a rubik's cube, crossword or riddle. Nigma's office was cluttered with unread files, folders, newspapers and puzzles, pretty much covering the floor. The western wall of the office was made up of huge thick windows, tinted blue on the outside so while nobody could see in, Nigma had a perfect view of almost all of Tinasha. The other walls of the office were covered in pictures, mostly of Nigma meeting world leaders or of charity events he had attended. A copy of "Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea" sat on Nigma's desk, the book old and damaged, the French writing inside worn down from over a hundred years of use by various owners.
The sleeves of Nigma's suit rustled as his hands worked seamlessly on a 5x5x5 rubik's cube, often knows as a professor's cube. Seconds from completing the puzzle, a loud buzzing sound surprised Nigma, making him drop the cube. Nigma stood up from his chair and pretty much punched the intercom button on his desk.
"DIDN'T I TELL YOU NOT TO BUZZ ME WHEN I'M WORKING?"
"I...I'm sorry Mr Nigma, sir, but, erm...your "problem solver"is here and...and he says he really needs to see you" Nigma's receptionist sniffled.
"Fine, send him in you incompetent fool"
The door to Nigma's office swung open, revealing Massacre, his body scorched and burnt.
"You assured me David had been taken care of, Nigma"
Massacre approached Nigma's desk, holding a piece of cloth against an open wound on his gut.
"I...I thought he was, I sent a team, they...they captured him...I don't know ho-"
Massacre slammed his hands on Nigma's desk, making Nigma jump back like a bullet from a barrel.
"THE LITTLE FUCK ALMOST KILLED ME NIGMA. And that won't be the end of it. He knows we're onto them."
"So?" Nigma tentatively sat back down. "They haven't been able to do anything before now, what are you worried about?"
Massacre sighed, turning his back to Nigma. "You've never had experience in these sorts of things, Nigma. I looked at the files for that "team" you sent. You think David escaped using force? No, your team defected. Your plan did nothing but anger the resistance and give them five more weapons to use."
"You mean you think the people I hired-"
"Are sat in some sort of meeting, arguing over who gets to put the shot between your eyes" Massacre interrupted.
"So, what do you suggest?". Nigma leaned back in his chair, picking up the rubik's cube again.
"We go into full lockdown mode. Nobody in or out for the next twenty four hours. Snipers on the rooftops." Massacre strode around the room. "You're an idiot Nigma."
"Excuse me?"
"You're an incompetent fool" Massacre yelled, turning to face Edward. "You sit here, doing your, your puzzles and riddles, while everybody below you does YOUR dirty work. And now it's come back to haunt you, I'm sure I'm the one you expect to defend you?"
"It's what I pay you for you fool! You get more money than anybody else in the government, you have a beautiful house just outside Tinasha, you have power within this nation whi-"
"Money which will be worthless, a house which will be burnt to the ground and power within a government which may fall within' hours!" Massacre spat on Nigma's desk, looking at him with disgust. "You'd best organize your men Edward, because if you don't, you're dead." Massacre stared down at Nigma with a sincere stare that could almost burn a hole through your eyes. "You've lived a life of hedonism, of greed, and now people want your head on a plate. And you know what? They'll get it, unless you understand what danger you're in. You're this genius, so think of something. A way to get out of this mess, because you pretty much sent your enemies five sharpened swords and reason to draw them too your throat." Massacre turned his back to Nigma and strode out the room, slamming the door as he left. Nigma threw his rubik's cube at the door before putting his head in his hands.
"Come on Eddy, think, think" he muttered, rubbing his head. "Come on come on, THINK" he yelled, punching his desk. "OK, OK, calm" he muttered to himself as he stood up, pacing behind his desk. "Stress relief, stress relief, something to get my brain working properly". Nigma grabbed a clump of paper off his desk, unfolded it and looked it over. "OK, OK it's a riddle. The one who buys it doesn't use it, the one who uses it doesn't know he's u-it's a coffin". Nigma tosses the paper away. "Too easy, something harder, I'll...I'll write something, and then work out how to stop those ungrateful rebels" Nigma mumbles incoherently, grabbing another piece of paper and scribbling on it.
---
Beneath East Tinasha, the Democratic Republic of Congo
Operation Bat-Wing Day 2, 7:33 AM
The doors to the bar room flew open as David Zavimbe's getaway driver carried his unconscious body into the room, laying him face down on the large table in the centre. Behind him followed a pair of plain clothed doctors.
"He, he was bleeding a bit when he got into the van, from the glass in his lower back, but he went unconscious a while ago" the driver yelled, as Bane, Prometheus, Tommy Monaghan, Catwoman and Lady Shiva, each half dressed, entered the room, Promethus not even wearing his helmet, showing his short white hair and aged face while could be anywhere from fifty to a hundred years old.
"He's in shock" one of the doctors replied. "He's been burnt badly, cut deep and the aforementioned psychological trauma may have added to it" he continued as the two doctors removed the glass shard, bandaged it up and then rolled David onto his back.
"What's happened?" Catwoman yelled at the driver, who bounded over, giving the doctors room to operate.
"David's family were attacked and killed by one of President Nigma's generals". The driver looked down, clearly worried about the reaction the five may have. "He fought David, possibly to the death".
Bane turned and slammed both fists down on the bar as the doctors began resuscitating David whilst putting him in the recovery position. "We move tomorrow" Prometheus announced, his eyes locked on David's convulsing body. "We give that Nigma bastard what he deserves". Without his helmet Prometheus had a slight German accent and his voice was more clearly aged.
"The six of us and the rebels?" Tommy looks at Promethus, clearly unsure.
"Five, David is in no state to fight" Lady Shiva interjects. "But we are, and Nigma knows at least one member of the resistence. Look at this." Shiva gestured to the slowly recovering David. "We cannot let this continue".
"Damn right". Catwoman walked over to David, who was barely awake. "Bat-wing...David...what...what happened" she whispered.
"Nigma's hired gun...Massacre...killed my wife...son...daughter" David gasps. "Almost killed me...won't be dead...never is" he continued, confusing Selina, who was unsure of who David was referring too. "Killed...killed my brother, almost me...as children. Same...same person". Catwoman looked down at David as her stomach seemed to knot up. For the first time in possibly months, she felt something besides emptiness or sadness. Rage and anger filled Selina's head as her hands balled into fists.
"Give him some room" one of the doctors called over, causing Selina to step back. "He might be in danger still, and he's lost a lot of blood". Catwoman nodded, turning back towards the bar and her room.
"Where are you going?" Tommy called after her.
"I need all the sleep I can get" Catwoman replied over her shoulder in a hushed purr, seemingly dipped in aggression whilest still staying calm. "Because tomorrow, this kitty's getting her claws out.".